The Bodmin Wassail 2021

The Bodmin Wassail looks like being a very different occasion on Wednesday 6th January 2021 than it has been for the last 397 years. For those who are unaware of this unbroken tradition dating back to 1624 and most probably beyond, we are in the habit of entering, (on invitation) peoples homes or businesses and bringing good health and good cheer for the coming year. With the current regulations regarding Covid 19 we are not going to be able to enter homes and our number will not be able to exceed six. The latter is going to be a difficult decision to make due to the dedication of the wassailers and their passion to take part, some members willing to travel from Dorset, London and even New Zealand to take part.

Never-the-less the wassail will take place in some form or other, it has survived world wars, we are not going to let this virus be the break in a very long chain. As far as we know we are the only visiting wassail left in the country, certainly the only one with an unbroken tradition. 

So how are we going to continue?

If things return to normal, so will we, if the six rule and social distancing remain in place we will reduce our number to six and remain outside  the properties of our hosts regardless of the weather conditions for the length of our stay, observing at all times distancing guidelines, if total lock down occurs our only course will be to go virtual via the media, but this would be a last resort.

A problem arising from these measures will be the lack of generous Bodminers who would normally donate to our chosen charity, our audience will be drastically reduced, but to help alleviate this we have set up a 'just giving' option. Every year we are humbled by the generosity of Bodmin people who are always so willing to support our chosen charity, (always Bodmin based) and we really don't wish for this years, (The Hugs Foundation, https://hugsfoundation.org.uk) to be the one to draw the short straw. I find it ironic we should ear mark this charity 12 months ago and now, 12 months later we are in a situation where hugging is banned.

So please keep an eye out for us on the 6th January 2021 as we perambulate the town wishing you all good health for the coming year and collecting for our chosen charity, but please help us by observing distancing guide lines. 

If in future years you would like a visit from the Wassailers please let us know, our only restriction is being able to fit you into our scheduled route.